Food processor and method for operating a food processor

ABSTRACT

A method for operating an electric motor-driven food processor for preparing a preparation item, wherein is prepared in one or more sequential preparation steps. A user of the food processor receives information from the food processor about an operating parameter for the food processor and/or a preparation parameter for the preparation item and/or transmits said information to the food processor. In order to make using the food processor especially comfortable for a user, the information is projected into the visual field of the user by a wearable image generating device configured separately from the food processor, in particular an eyeglass-type construction worn in front of an eye while the user is looking at the food processor in a defined angular range, wherein the information is superimposed onto the visual field.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/216,774, filed on Jul. 22, 2016, which claims priority from EuropeanPatent Application No. 15178212.5, filed on Jul. 24, 2015, thedisclosures of both of which are herein incorporated by reference. Acertified copy of priority European Patent Application No. 15178212.5 iscontained in parent U.S. application Ser. No. 15/216,774.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The invention initially relates to a method for operating an electricmotor-driven food processor for preparing a preparation item, whereinthe preparation item is prepared in one or more sequential preparationsteps, wherein a user of the food processor receives information fromthe food processor about an operating parameter for the food processorand/or a preparation parameter for the preparation item and/or transmitssaid information to the food processor.

In addition, the invention relates to an electrically driven foodprocessor with a preparation vessel, a mixer and/or heating elementallocated to the preparation vessel and a communication device forcommunicating with a user of the food processor, in particular fortransmitting information about an operating parameter for the foodprocessor and/or a preparation parameter for a preparation item.

The invention also relates to a system comprised of a food processor anda wearable image generating device configured separately from the foodprocessor.

2. The Prior Art

Food processors of the kind in question are known. As a rule, the latterexhibit a preparation vessel that can be removed from the foodprocessor, and incorporates a mixer. The mixer is driven by an electricmotor on the food processor side, to which end a coupling is provided atthe interface between the preparation vessel and food processor-sidereceptacle. As a rule, a speed controller is provided for regulating theelectric motor driving the mixer, and arranged in a separate displayarea of the food processor, potentially together with additional controland display elements. It is further known to heat the preparation vesselwith a heating device. For example, the vessel floor comprises acontrollable heating element. Such a food processor is known from WO2003/075727 A1, for example.

DE 10 2013 006576 A1 describes a cooling and/or freezing device, inwhich a display device is provided, situated directly on the coolingand/or freezing device. It can be covered by a closure element in oneoperating state, and visible to a user even with the closure elementclosed in another operating state.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Proceeding from the aforementioned prior art, the object of theinvention is to make using the food processor even more comfortable fora user. In particular, alternatives to the known control and displayelements are to be created.

In order to achieve the aforementioned object, the invention initiallyproposes a method for operating an electric motor-driven food processor,in which information about one operating parameter for the foodprocessor and/or one preparation parameter for the preparation item isprojected into the visual field of the user by means of a wearable imagegenerating device configured separately from the food processor, inparticular an eyeglass-type construction worn in front of an eye.

Instead of a display integrated into the housing surface, the imagegenerating device is now used to project information about operatingparameters or preparation parameters into the viewing field of the user,so that the information is displayed directly in the visual field of theuser, where the food processor is also located, giving the user theimpression that the information appears on a partial area, in particulara display, of the food processor in the usual manner. In addition, it isalso possible to project the information into the visual field of theuser in such a way as to give the user the impression that theinformation is in the vicinity of the food processor, or in theenvironment of its components, such as a pot and mixing blade. Asopposed to prior art, however, it is not necessary for the foodprocessor itself to exhibit an active display device, for example theaforementioned display. The image generating device is advantageouslyworn by the user in the visual field of his or her eye or eyes, so thatthe information coming from the image generating device is projecteddirectly into the visual field of the user directed at the foodprocessor. In addition, it is also possible to project information intothe visual field of the user when the food processor is not in thevisual field of the user. One example for information that issuperimposed without the food processor being in the visual field of thecustomer involves the time remaining for completion of the cookingprocess, or preparation information for the next recipe phase.

It is here especially advantageous that the image generating device besituated in front of the eye of the user like a kind of eyeglass frame,or secured to such an eyeglass frame. In terms of the invention, use canbe made of an image generating device according to US 2013/0044042 A1,for example. The wearable image generating device is based on theprinciple of so-called “augmented reality” (augmented reality), whereina second image that is superimposed onto a real image appears in thevisual field of the user. For example, this second image generated bythe image generating device can contain additional virtual informationgoing beyond the real information within the visual field of the user.As a result, the amount of real information for the user present in thevisual field is enhanced by additional, virtual information, providingthe user with a wider range of information while using the foodprocessor for preparing a preparation item.

In addition, the invention eliminates the need to provide a conventionaldisplay on the housing surface of the food processor, or embed a displayin the housing surface. This not least also reduces the number of gapspresent on the housing surface, in which dirt can gather. As a result,the user can clean the housing surface especially quickly and easily.

It is proposed that the image generating device project the informationby means of a light source onto a projection surface of the foodprocessor, onto a transparent surface worn in front of the eye, andhence lying in the visual field, and/or into an eye of the user, inparticular locally allocated to a partial area of the food processor inthe visual field of the user, which is allocated in terms of type to theoperating parameter for the food processor and/or to the preparationparameter for the preparation item. In order to project the informationinto the visual field of the user, the image generating device exhibitsa light source for emitting light representing the information ontopreferably one or more optical elements, for example a deflection prism.In addition, the image generating device can optionally also exhibit acamera, in order to record images of the environment or visual field, sothat both the environment/visual field and the information additionallyprojected into the visual field can be displayed to the user virtuallyinstead of being perceived directly. The information can here beprojected either into the visual field of the user, for example onto apartial area of the food processor, or directly into the eye of theuser, giving the latter the impression that the information is actuallybeing displayed on the housing of the food processor. The image is hereprojected directly onto the retina of the eye, wherein the user has theimpression that the information is actually in front of his or her eye,for example. The information is advantageously always projected in sucha way that the information appears on or directly next to such a partialarea of the food processor that is linked with the correspondingoperating parameter for the food processor or preparation parameter forthe preparation item. For example, the operating parameter for the foodprocessor can be the temperature of a heating device allocated to thepreparation vessel. In this case, the operating parameter, i.e., thetemperature of the heating device, is directly imaged on or next to thepreparation vessel. The same also applies to preparation parameters forthe preparation item, for example a temperature of the preparation itemcontained in the preparation vessel. The projection surface of the foodprocessor is advantageously a partial area of the housing, in which adisplay of the housing is usually accommodated. Alternatively oradditionally, the food processor can also exhibit projection surfaces inother partial areas of the housing and/or on the preparation vessel, asteam cooking attachment for the preparation vessel or the like. Thismakes operating the food processor especially intuitive. The informationis no longer displayed on the partial area of the machine housingusually provided for a display, but rather advantageously in directproximity to the respective component of the food processor connected tothe information in terms of content, e.g., a preparation vessel fordisplaying the temperature of the heating device. With the imagegenerating device and/or food processor in a deactivated state, thehousing of the food processor is most extensively to be perceived as aclosed surface without any physically existing control and/or or displaydevices. By contrast, when the food processor is viewed with thewearable image generating device, information within the viewing fieldof the user appear on the housing surface, evoking the impression thatan active display is located there. If the projection surface fordisplaying the virtual information is locally allocated to thecorresponding devices of the food processor, for example the preparationvessel or mixer, the partial area of the food processor in which anactive display is usually located can instead be used for displaying atime of day or the like in a large format, which enables an especiallylarge-format depiction, and hence good legibility. Because the imagegenerating device replaces a classic, active display and potentiallyalso a rotary actuator or the like, the housing of the food processorcan be closed in design, making it more robust than a housing thatexhibits recesses for control and/or display devices. As a rule, theclosed housing surface is free of rough surfaces, and thus easier toclean, since no dirt can accumulate in grooves of the display frame orbehind control devices. The presence of dirt or the like on the housingdoes not prevent the display of information, since the projectedinformation is superposed onto the corresponding dirt when using theimage generating device. In addition, the display and food processorhousing need no longer be joined while manufacturing the food processor,thereby simplifying the production process in this regard.

In addition, it is proposed that the operating parameter for the foodprocessor and/or preparation parameter for the preparation item bedetermined by a sensor of the food processor, and transmitted to theimage generating device. As a consequence, there is a communication linkbetween the image generating device and a sensor of the food processor,which detects the operating parameter or preparation parameter, andtransmits it to a processor of the image generating device. Theprocessor evaluates the sensor signals by comparing the latter withcorresponding reference signals, and derives control commands forcorrespondingly actuating the light source or several light sources, forexample from a table stored in a data memory of the image generatingdevice. The processor thereupon controls the light source of the imagegenerating device in such a way as to emit a light signal correspondingto the information. The sensor of the food processor can be atachometer, a temperature sensor, a weighing device or the like.

It is proposed that the operating parameter for the food processor be aspeed and/or a turning direction of a mixer, a temperature of a heatingdevice and/or a time. In addition, it is proposed that the preparationparameter for the preparation item be a temperature and/or a weight ofthe preparation item and/or a preparation step in a recipe for preparingthe preparation item. The term “operating parameter” here encompassesall parameters for the food processor relating to the operation of atechnical installation of a food processor, for example the operation ofthe mixer, heating device or the like. For example, the mixer canoperate at a specific speed and in a specific turning direction. Inaddition, the heating device, for example which is allocated to thepreparation vessel, can be heated to a specific temperature. Inaddition, the food processor can also exhibit a clock, which outputs atime as an operating parameter. This time can indicate a timespan untilthe start of an ensuing preparation step or until the end of apreparation step currently being performed. The preparation parametersfor the preparation item refer to those parameters that relate to acharacteristic of the preparation item. For example, this can be theactual temperature of the preparation item within the preparationvessel, a weight of the preparation item or the like. Further understoodby the latter is a preparation step in a recipe that serves to preparethe preparation item. For example, such a preparation step can containan instruction to the user of the food processor to introduce a specificquantity of a preparation item into the preparation vessel. Takentogether, this displayed information serves to instruct the user aboutthe current operation of the food processor or about the current stateof the preparation item, or to prompt the user to become active in apreparation step for the food processor.

It is further proposed that the image generating device projectinformation onto a projection surface of the food processor exhibiting atouch sensor or onto a transparent surface worn in front of the eye thatexhibits a touch sensor, and hence lies within the viewing field, andthat the user control the food processor by touching the projectionsurface. In this embodiment, the projection surface serves not only todisplay information to the user, but rather is also used as an inputpanel for transmitting a command from the user to the food processor. Bymeans of the projection surface, the user transmits information relatingto an operating parameter for the food processor and/or to a preparationparameter for the preparation item to the food processor, in particularto an evaluation and control device of the food processor. As aconsequence, the projection surface replaces the control devicesrequired in conventional food processors, for example buttons, knobs orthe like. The projection surface has allocated to it a touch sensor,which recognizes when a user touches the projection surface, andthereupon triggers a specific reaction. For example, the touch sensorcan be a capacitive touch sensor. The image generating device is used toproject virtual images of corresponding control devices onto the housingof the food processor, so that the user recognizes what partial area ofthe housing he or she must touch to initiate a specific input. Theprojected images can simulate the appearance of conventional buttons,knobs or the like, so that the user immediately recognizes theirfunction. The functions of the partial areas of the housing can herealso be dynamically changed; for example, one and the same partial areacan be used during a first preparation step of the recipe to set acooking time, and during a second preparation step to change the turningdirection of the mixer of the food processor. As a consequence, theprojection surface simultaneously performs two functions of acommunication device. On the one hand, information is transmitted to theuser to instruct him or her about a current operating parameter for thefood processor and/or a current preparation parameter for thepreparation item; on the other hand, the user is provided with an inputdevice, which he or she can use to transmit information to the foodprocessor, for example so as to actively intervene in the preparation ofa preparation item.

In addition, the invention proposes that the image generating deviceproject the information as a function of a viewing angle of the userrelative to the food processor. The location of the projectedinformation on the food processor is here advantageously adjusted to theviewing angle of the user. For example, if the user is looking at thehousing of the food processor from the side, the information will bedisplayed on the side of the corresponding partial area of the foodmachine, while the information will be displayed on the food processor,if necessary in the open mixing vessel or the like, given a view fromabove. In the event that the displayed information involves apreparation step for a recipe, the information can also be displayed inthe sense of a so-called “guided cooking” next to the food processor.For example, information about the weight of an ingredient currentlyfilled into the preparation vessel can here in particular beincorporated into a virtual recipe, so that the user is automaticallyprovided with information as to the extent to which the desired weightgoal has been reached. In order to incorporate the information into theviewing field of the user by means of the image generating device as afunction of viewing angle so that it is locally correlated with aspecific device of the food processor, the location and orientation ofthe food processor in the viewing field of the user or image generatingdevice must be determined. To this end, the positions of markingelements arranged on the housing of the food processor canadvantageously be determined. These marking elements can be spaced apartfrom each other by a specific distance on the housing, as well asexhibit a defined height and width. A detection device, for example acamera of the image generating device, evaluates these marking elementswith respect to their geometry and arrangement on the food processor,and from that determines the viewing angle of the user or imagegenerating device on the projection surface of the food processor. As aresult of the prescribed geometry and position of the marking elementsand corresponding 2D image features, the position of the markingelements, and hence of the entire food processor, can be determinedbased upon algorithms that establish correspondences between 2D featurepositions of the marking elements and 3D model points of the foodprocessor.

Proposed apart from the method according to the invention describedabove is an electrically driven food processor, which exhibits apreparation vessel, a mixer and/or heating element allocated to thepreparation vessel, and a communication device for communicating with auser of the food processor, in particular for transmitting informationrelating to an operating parameter for the food processor and/or apreparation parameter for a preparation item, wherein the communicationdevice exhibits a projection surface with a touch sensor for displayinginformation, and wherein the communication device has allocated to it atleast one marking element for determining a spatial orientation of thefood processor, in particular relative to an external image generatingdevice. The proposed food processor thus exhibits a communicationdevice, which on the one hand exhibits a projection surface with touchsensors, and on the other hand marking elements that define a positionrelative to the projection surface. The marking elements can be used byan image generating device to determine a current viewing angle of auser on the food processor, and as a result to vary how the informationis displayed on the projection surface of the food processor. Forexample, the information is arranged on different partial areas of themachine housing depending on the viewing angle of the user, or changedin a natural way corresponding to the viewing angle, for exampledistorted.

In addition, it is provided that the communication device exhibitseveral spaced apart marking elements, which each exhibit a plurality oftwo- or three-dimensional partial marking elements situated one next tothe other. The marking elements are spaced apart from each other, andoccupy a surface with a defined height and a defined width. The markingelement here advantageously consists of a grid of partial markingelements situated uniformly one next to the other. For example, thesepartial marking elements can be actively luminous points, for example ingreen, whose size varies depending on the position within the grid. In apreferred direction of the marking elements, for example, the partialmarking elements can become smaller over the direction. The markingelements are recognized from their color feature by means of a detectiondevice of the image generating device, for example a camera, so thattheir position and orientation can be reliably determined.

Also provided according to the invention is a system comprised of a foodprocessor, in particular a food processor proposed above, and a wearableimage generating device formed separately from the latter, in particulara projector allocated to an eye of the user of the food processor,wherein the food processor exhibits a preparation vessel, a mixer and/orheating element allocated to the preparation vessel, and a communicationdevice for communicating with a user of the food processor and/or withthe image generating device, wherein the communication device exhibits aprojection surface for displaying information that relates to anoperating parameter for the food processor and/or a preparationparameter for a preparation item, and is projected by the imagegenerating device. The advantages described above in relation to themethod are obtained with respect to this proposed system comprised of afood processor and image generating device.

Finally proposed with regard to the system according to the invention aswell is that the food processor exhibit at least one marking element forspatially orienting the image generating device relative to the foodprocessor, in particular relative to the projection surface, wherein theimage generating device exhibits a detection device for detecting themarking element, an evaluation and control device for determining theorientation of the image generating device relative to the markingelement, and a light source for optically emitting the information. Theimage generating device can be allocated to an eye of a user of the foodprocessor like a kind of eyeglass frame, so that the image generatingdevice is located in the viewing field of the eye. The image generatingdevice preferably exhibits a processor for determining the orientationof the image generating device relative to the food processor. Dependingon the result, the evaluation and control device controls the lightsource so as to project the information to be projected onto theprojection surface of the food processor or into the eye of the useraccording to this orientation. If necessary, the light emitted from thelight source and containing the information can be deflected and/orfocused by means of optical elements. For example, lenses, prisms,mirror or the like are here conceivable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be explained in more detail below based on exemplaryembodiments. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a food processor according to theinvention,

FIG. 2 is a system comprised of a food processor and an image generatingdevice,

FIG. 3 is the image generating device while detecting marking elementsof the food processor,

FIG. 4 is the food processor with information projected onto projectionsurfaces,

FIG. 5 is a food processor with information projected onto projectionsurfaces,

FIG. 6 is a food processor with information projected onto projectionsurfaces, and

FIG. 7 is the food processor with projection surfaces exhibiting touchsensors.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a food processor 1, which is here designed as a cooking andmixing device operated by electric motor. In the usual manner, the foodprocessor 1 exhibits a housing, into which a preparation vessel 7 can beplaced. The preparation vessel 7 has allocated to it a mixer 6, forexample which is designed as a blade assembly, and projects into thepreparation vessel 7. In addition, a heating device can be allocated tothe preparation device 7. In particular, the latter is arranged in thefloor of the preparation vessel 7. The housing of the food processor 1further exhibits projection surfaces 5, which are essentially flat indesign, and exhibit no gaps, scoring or the like. The projectionsurfaces 5 are advantageously comprised of a visible light-reflectingmaterial, making it suitable for displaying information projectedthereon.

FIG. 2 shows the food processor 1 in an activated state. One of theprojection surfaces 5 here exhibits two marking elements 8, which arespaced apart from each other by distance d. Each of the two markingelements 8 exhibits a plurality of partial marking elements 9, which aresituated next to each other and one above the other in the form of anarray. The partial marking elements 9 form lines and columns, whereinpartial marking elements 9 arranged in the same line are identical insize, and partial marking elements 9 arranged in a column increase insize from the first line to the lowermost line. The marking elements 8are here designed as light-emitting diodes that emit green light.

The depicted image generating device 3 is designed like a pair ofglasses, the frame of which accommodates a detection device 10 (here acamera), a light source 4 and an evaluation and control device 11(processor). The light source 4 advantageously has allocated to it anoptical device (not shown), which focuses and/or deflects the lightemitted by the light source 4, so that the emitted light is projectedeither into the eye of a user of the food processor 1 or onto aprojection surface 5 of the food processor 1. The detection device 10further exhibits a detection region, which essentially corresponds tothe visual field of the user, and comprises the food processor 1, inparticular also the marking elements 8.

FIG. 3 shows the image generating device 3 and marking elements 8 indetail. The two marking elements 8 each exhibit the same height h andwidth b, and are situated at a distance d from each other. Thearrangement of the partial marking elements 9 of each marking element 8is established as explained above in reference to FIG. 2.

FIGS. 4 to 7 present different views of information 2 on the projectionsurfaces 5 of the food processor 1.

With respect to FIG. 4, the information 2 projected onto the projectionsurfaces 5 encompasses a timespan of a preparation step for the foodprocessor 1, a current time of day, a turning direction and speed ofrotation of the mixer 6 of the food processor 1, as well as a currenttemperature of the heating device of the food processor 1.

On FIG. 5, the information 2 encompasses a preparation step in a recipefor preparing the preparation item, along with a weight of a preparationitem contained in the preparation vessel 7 of the food processor 1.

FIG. 6 presents a top view of the food processor 1, wherein thepreparation vessel 7 is closed with a cover. A projection surface 5formed on the cover exhibits information 2 about the current speed ofrotation and turning direction of the mixer 6, as well as a currenttemperature of the heating device of the preparation vessel 7.

FIG. 7 presents a perspective view of a food processor 1, wherein twoprojection surfaces 5 exhibit touch sensors, onto which information 2 isprojected in a locally corresponding manner. The information 2 hereencompasses virtual images of control devices for changing a preparationtime or speed of rotation. In addition, the projected information 2encompasses a timespan, a time of day, a turning direction of the mixer6, along with a current temperature of a heating device allocated to thepreparation vessel 7.

In detail, the invention functions in such a way that the user of thefood processor 1 places the image generating device 3 in front of his orher eyes like a kind of eyeglass frame. The user activates both theimage generating device 3 and food processor with conventional on-offswitches. Turning on the food processor 1 causes the two markingelements 8 to appear on the housing of the food processor 1, which areallocated to one of the projection surfaces 5. The marking elements 8are designed as LED's, and here emit green light.

The user of the food processor 1 looks at the food processor 1, so thatthe latter is situated in the visual field of his or her eyes. As aresult, the food processor 1 is simultaneously also in the detectionregion of the detection device 10, which records an image of the foodprocessor 1 based on the actual viewing angle of the user relative tothe food processor 1. This image is transmitted by the detection device10 to the evaluation and control device 11, which evaluates the imagewith respect to the position and orientation of the marking elements 8on the housing of the food processor 1. Based on the size and distancesof the partial marking elements 9 of the marking elements 8 arranged onenext to the other, the evaluation and control device 11 can recognizethe distance between the image generating device 3 and food processor 1,as well as the viewing angle of the image generating device relative tothe food processor 1. To this end, the detected marking elements 8 arecompared with reference data stored in the evaluation and control device11 or an allocated memory.

In addition, sensors of the food processor 1 continuously measurecurrent operating parameters for the food processor 1 and preparationparameters for the preparation item located in the preparation vessel 7.For example, the operating parameters are here a turning direction andspeed of rotation of the mixer 6, a current temperature of the heatingdevice and an indicated time until a current preparation step concludes.In addition, the information 2 projected onto the projection surfaces 5also encompasses preparation parameters for the preparation item, herespecifically a current weight of an ingredient to be filled into thepreparation vessel 7 and a next preparation step in a recipe.

The sensors of the food processor 1 transmit the measured operatingparameters or preparation parameters to the evaluation and controldevice 11 of the image generating device 3. This is accomplished here bya radio connection that exists between the food processor 1 and theevaluation and control device 11.

The evaluation and control device 11 of the image generating device 3thereupon determines control commands stored in the data memory of theimage generating device 3 for corresponding operating parameters orpreparation parameters, with which the light source 4 can be controlledin such a way as to emit corresponding information 2 and project it ontothe projection surfaces 5 of the food processor 1. Considered at thesame time is the viewing angle at which the food processor 1 orprojection surfaces 5 is situated relative to the image generatingdevice 3, and hence simultaneously also relative to the light source 4.This also involves distinguishing the view, for example between acurrent side view or a top view of the food processor 1.

The evaluation and control device 11 of the image generating device 3correspondingly determines the current orientation of the food processor1 and the projection surfaces 5 of the food processor 1 that are hereavailable and can be used for displaying the information 2. Therespective information 2 is here projected onto the projection surface 5of the food processor that corresponds with the operating parameter orpreparation parameter. According to FIG. 4, for example, the speed ofrotation and turning direction of the mixer are displayed on aprojection surface 5 located close to the mixer 6 of the preparationvessel 7. The same holds true for the current temperature of the heatingdevice of the preparation vessel 7. With respect to the preparation stepin a recipe shown on FIG. 5, the information 2 is displayed next to thefood processor 1, with an arrow pointing in the direction of the fillerhole of the preparation vessel 7. This tells the user of the foodprocessor 1 that an ingredient must be put into the preparation vessel7. At the same time, a current weight of the ingredient to be added isdisplayed with the preparation step.

In the depicted exemplary embodiment, the information 2 is not actuallyprojected onto the projection surfaces 5, but rather into the eye of theuser, causing the information 2 to be superimposed onto his or herviewing field, giving the user the impression that the information 2 isactually being displayed on the projection surfaces 5. This results inthe sensory impression similar to a conventional active display.Alternatively, however, the information 2 could also be projected ontothe projection surfaces 5.

In addition, the projected information 2 encompasses virtual images ofcontrol devices for changing the operating parameters “speed ofrotation” and “preparation time”. These images simulate conventionalpushbuttons. The projection surfaces 5 in question here exhibit touchsensors, which are here integrated into the material of the housing ofthe food processor 1, for example. Touching the projection surfaces 5activates the touch sensors and changes the allocated operatingparameter, for example increases or decreases the speed of rotation orraises or lowers the preparation time. Activating the projectionsurfaces 5 simultaneously also updates the information 2, i.e., thedisplayed speed of rotation or preparation time.

LIST OF REFERENCES

-   1 Food processor-   2 Information-   3 Image generating device-   4 Light source-   5 Projection surface-   6 Mixer-   7 Preparation vessel-   8 Marking element-   9 Partial marking element-   10 Detection device-   11 Evaluation and control device-   b Width-   d Distance-   h Height

What is claimed is:
 1. An electrically driven food processor comprising:a preparation vessel, a mixer and/or heating element allocated to thepreparation vessel, and a communication device configured fortransmitting information about an operating parameter for the foodprocessor and/or a preparation parameter for a preparation item to auser of the food processor, wherein the communication device exhibits aprojection surface with a touch sensor for displaying information, andwherein the communication device has at least one marking elementconfigured for determining a spatial orientation of the food processorrelative to an external image generating device, the marking elementexhibiting a grid of a plurality of two- or three-dimensional partialmarking elements situated uniformly one next to the other, wherein thepartial marking elements are actively luminous points and become smallerin a preferred direction of the marking element.
 2. The food processoraccording to claim 1, wherein the communication device exhibits severalmarking elements spaced apart by a distance.
 3. The food processoraccording to claim 1, wherein the communication device comprises aprojector allocated to an eye of the user of the food processor.
 4. Asystem comprised of a food processor and a wearable image generatingdevice that is designed in the form of a pair of glasses and is formedseparately from the food processor, wherein the wearable imagegenerating device comprises a projector for projecting information intoa visual field of the user, and wherein the food processor comprises apreparation vessel, a mixer and/or heating element allocated to thepreparation vessel, and a communication device for communicating with auser of the food processor and/or with the image generating device,wherein the communication device exhibits a projection surface fordisplaying information that relates to an operating parameter for thefood processor and/or a preparation parameter for a preparation item,and is projected by the image generating device.
 5. The system accordingto claim 4, wherein the food processor has at least one marking elementfor spatially orienting the image generating device relative to theprojection surface, wherein the image generating device has a detectiondevice for detecting the marking element, an evaluation and controldevice for determining the orientation of the image generating devicerelative to the marking element, and a light source for opticallyemitting the information.